ARNOLD WILLARD “ARNE” LEEN, age 82 of Waterville, died on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Born in Poplar, Minnesota on May 5, 1936, Arne was the son of Rudolph and Roseanna (Rothwell) Leen. He attended school in Lamberton and graduated with the class of 1954. Immediately after graduation he went on to serve with the United States Army. On April 12, 1958 Arne married Barbara Cooper. They raised a family and made their life together until her death in 1985. On November 21, 1987 he married Hope (Nord) Martin in Hudson, Wisconsin. Arne worked for much of his life in the banking industry, starting as a night security guard at Marquette Bank in Minneapolis, and later working his way up to Bank President in Waterville. He performed in that role for over twenty years and then continued his professional life as a Farm Bureau Insurance Agent. Arne was actively involved in the Waterville community and could be found volunteering at Bullhead Days, with the Lions Club, at the Waterville Sportsmans’ Club, and with the Relay for Life. He had also been instrumental in establishing the Waterville Nursing Home many years ago. He enjoyed reading, cards, cribbage, following Waterville High School sports, and visiting with friends and family.

Arne is survived by his wife, Hope of Waterville; two children, Beth (Jeff) Wagner of Elysian, and Chuck (Lisa) Leen of Sauk Centre; six step-children, John (Lynn) Martin of Indianapolis, IN, Ron Martin of Lindstrom, Lori (John) Tudahl of Eau Claire, WI, Patti Croslin of Moore, OK, Chuck (Paula) Martin of Hudson, WI, and Greg (Yasuko) Martin of Pinehurst, NC; one brother, Roger Leen of Hudson, WI; sixteen grandchildren; and twenty two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Barb; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waterville, and will continue for one hour before the service on Thursday.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waterville, with Rev. Gene Witte officiating. Interment will take place at White Pine Cemetery near Webster, Wisconsin on a later date.